Iraqi tribal leaders have condemned Turkish incursions into Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), praising Kurdish resistance efforts and condemning the Iraqi government’s perceived inaction in protecting national sovereignty.
As Turkish military operations continue in the KRI, several Iraqi tribal leaders have expressed their views on the situation, highlighting concerns around national sovereignty and the roles of various actors in the region. In a joint statement, 15 Arab tribal leaders in Iraq acknowledged the efforts of Kurdish forces, including the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in resisting what they describe as Turkish incursions and combating ISIS. However, they also expressed criticism of the Iraqi government for what they perceive as inadequate protection of national sovereignty.
The statement addressed the ongoing Turkish military presence in the region, with the tribal leaders claiming that Turkey’s actions amount to occupation. They also alleged that Turkey has been providing support to ISIS.
The leader of Iraq’s Qairani tribe Khader Haji Mirza spoke at the funeral in Sinjar (Şengal) of a journalist killed in a recent Turkish attack. Mirza expressed concerns over Iraq’s sovereignty. “Iraq does not have a government, and the active parties are under the influence and control of other countries,” he said.
